1972 was the final model year for the second generation of the Chevrolet Chevelle. As was still Detroit practice at the time, it could be told apart from the previous year's model by subtle differences, in this case the grille and front turn signal/side marker light assemblies are the tells.
You could get your '72 in regular Chevelle, Malibu, Heavy Chevy, and SS trim levels. The latter two were performance-oriented, with the Heavy Chevy being a more spartan car that was only available as a hardtop coupe, while the SS had more plush, Malibu-type accoutrements like the remote control driver's side mirror and could be had as a coupe or convertible.
Is this Mohave Gold one actually an SS, or has someone just badged a regular Malibu ragtop up as one? Only the VIN knows for sure, but it's a cool looking ride either way.
The 1972 model year was right at the precipice of the Malaise Era abyss. GM had already dropped compression ratios to allow all motors to operate on regular gas, and horsepower outputs were now given in SAE net, rather than gross, terms. The base engine in the SS was the two-barrel L65 Turbo-Fire 350 V-8 rated at 165 SAE net horsepower. The optional small block was the L48 Turbo-Fire 350 V-8 with a four-barrel carb and 175 horsepower.
Two Turbo-Jet big block V-8s were on the menu as well: The LS3 400, making 240 ponies, or the brawny LS5 454, which still put out 290 horses. The 454 was exclusive to the SS model, while the other motors could be had in lesser Chevelles.
All the V-8 motors could be had with a 3- or 4-speed manual or the 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic auto, except the 454 which could only be had with the 4-speed or automatic.
The one in the picture was snapped with a Canon EOS-1D Mark III and EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens in August of 2022.
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